As fun as it sounds, you can’t have a special-occasion meal every day. Here’s where to eat a good old casual meal—which involves laid-back attire, an affordable menu, and waiter service—in Nashville.
Pictured: M.L. Rose (Captiol View)
The Best Casual Restaurants in Nashville
M.L.Rose
“Get out without getting fancy” is one of M.L.Rose’s mottos. Expect simple pub food, craft beer, and burgers at this local favorite.
- Neighborhoods: Melrose, Sylvan Park, Capitol View
- Order This: Five Alarm burger (jalapeños, habanero jack, five-alarm sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion) with a side of waffle fries
- See the menu
Party Fowl
From the fiery menu to the 13 giant flat screens, nothing about this hot-chicken mecca is subtle.
- Neighborhood: The Gulch
- Order This: Hot Chicken Tacos (it comes with a side of chili beans)
- See the menu
Burger Up
This community-driven restaurant brings together families and friends over locally sourced beef and produce.
- Neighborhoods: 12 South, East Nashville
- Order This: Bison Burger (white cheddar, fried red onion and jalapeños, romaine, tomato, honey dijon aioli) with a side of truffle fries
- See the menu
Pinewood Social
Swing by Pinewood any time of day for a quick refuel—breakfast, lunch, and dinner items are all equally delicious.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
- Order This: Lobster Mac & Cheese
- See the menu
Pastaria
In this casual, family-friendly setting, organic pastas and pizzas taste like fine Italian dining. (Yes, even the risotto balls.)
- Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
- Order This: Pistachio Ravioli (with mint, lemon brown butter, grana padano)
- See the menu
Whiskey Kitchen
One of the more casual restaurants under the M Street umbrella, Whiskey Kitchen always hits the spot for lunch or dinner.
- Neighborhood: The Gulch
- Order This: Tennessee Cuban (pit ham, pulled pork, TN Beer Mustard, swiss, dill pickles)
- See the menu
Neighbor’s
Neighbor’s has two locations (Germantown and Sylvan Park), both boasting a chill environment, tasty pub grub, and an excellent selection of brews.
- Neighborhoods: Sylvan Park, Germantown
- Order This: Smoked Wings
- See the menu
The Stillery
A quick sit-down meal is possible in Midtown or Downtown, courtesy of The Stillery. Drinks at both locations are stiff and plentiful.
- Neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown
- Order This: Sonoran Burger (with roasted jalapenos, caramelized onion, bacon, pepper jack, roasted garlic aioli)
- See the menu
Von Elrod’s
While Germantown has seen a surge in fine dining, this low-key beer garden and sausage house has been welcomed with open arms.
- Neighborhood: Germantown
- Order This: Angry Bird (spicy chicken sausage, corn relish, avocado, buttermilk dill ranch)
- See the menu
The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy’s burgers are indeed like medicine—even if you eat too much, you’ll walk out of this joint with a spring in your step.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- Order This: Stroganoff Burger with a housemade soda
- See the menu
12 South Taproom
Cheers to this longtime 12 South gathering spot for friends, families, and—when it’s nice out—their pups.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
- Order This: Veggie Melt (mozzarella, basil pesto, zucchini, squash, marinated onion, spinach)
- See the menu
51 North Taproom
Like its sister property, the 12 South Taproom, 51 North is armed with mouthwatering bar fare and plenty of beers on tap.
- Neighborhood: The Nations
- Order This: Gobblin Goat (goat cheese, turkey, sun-dried tomato, spinach, sourdough)
- See the menu
Bartaco
Check the forecast, then chill outside or inside as you chow down on tacos, rice bowls, and assorted seafood dishes at Bartaco.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
- Order This: Sesame Ribeye Rice Bowl (with kimchi)
- See the menu
Pancho & Lefty’s
If you’re in a time crunch and need to scarf down dinner before a concert or Preds game, take advantage of Pancho & Lefty’s speedy service and easy access to downtown music venues.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Order This: Adobo Chicken Tacos
- See the menu
Hopsmith Tavern
New to the Nashville scene, Hopsmith shines brightest as a brunch destination or gathering spot for watching a game.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Order This: Jacked Up Brussels (fried Brussels sprouts, orange segments, spiced pecans, goat cheese cake, candied orange peel, Jack Daniel’s vinaigrette)
- See the menu
Mafiaoza’s
While known for its pizzas, Mafiaoza’s has a full roster of pastas, salads, and apps that shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
- Order This: Brother Fredo pizza (with spinach, alfredo, roasted chicken, artichokes, cheese)
- See the menu
Tavern
We can’t say this for every place in town: No matter how long the line is for your meal at Tavern, the wait will be worth it.
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Order This: Red Velvet Waffle (with cream cheese drizzle)
- See the menu
The Best Fast-Casual Restaurants
Sometimes even waiter service is a little too fancy for your needs. Here are the top fast-casual restaurants in Nashville.
Hugh-Baby’s
- Cuisine: Burgers
- See the menu
Martin’s
- Cuisine: BBQ
- See the menu
Edley’s
- Cuisine: BBQ
- See the menu
Fido
- Cuisine: American
- See the menu
Hattie B’s
- Cuisine: Hot chicken
- See the menu
Gabby’s
- Cuisine: Burgers
- See the menu
Taqueria del Sol
- Cuisine: Mexican
- See the menu
Five Points Pizza
- Cuisine: Pizza
- See the menu
Frothy Monkey
- Cuisine: American
- See the menu
Mitchell Delicatessen
- Cuisine: American/deli
- See the menu
Greko Greek Street Food
- Cuisine: Greek
- See the menu
Grilled Cheeserie
- Cuisine: Grilled cheese
- See the menu
Mas Tacos
- Cuisine: Mexican
- See the menu
Vui’s Kitchen
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- See the menu
Sunflower Cafe
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, vegan
- See the menu
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen
- Cuisine: Italian
- See the menu
Slim & Husky’s
- Cuisine: Pizza
- See the menu